Tonight

Columbus Police and Nebraska State Patrol officers on Monday block off the 2800 block area of Third Avenue in pursuit of a suspect who allegedly barricaded himself for hours in a home. On Tuesday, police revealed that they arrested 35-year-old Justin Dittmer in connection with the incident.

Suspect barricaded Monday in Third Avenue property apprehended

Columbus Police and Nebraska State Patrol officers on Monday block off the 2800 block area of Third Avenue in pursuit of a suspect who allegedly barricaded himself for hours in a home. On Tuesday, police revealed that they arrested 35-year-old Justin Dittmer in connection with the incident.

Columbus Police officers on Monday evening apprehended a male suspect who allegedly barricaded himself in a home he broke into along Third Avenue after fleeing from law enforcement during an attempted traffic stop earlier in the day.

Capt. Todd Thalken told The Telegram that a 35-year-old man was in custody, but was unable to specify his exact identity at the time because of the ongoing investigation into the matter. Thalken did say, however, that the individual may be a suspect in other current investigations, noting department investigators would have to make the final call in regard to revealing the identity of the apprehended.

The situation had been ongoing throughout Monday, with officers erecting barriers to prevent the public from entering the area and to prevent any potential harm to bystanders.

Officers at approximately 12:42 p.m. on Monday attempted to stop a white 2009 Chevrolet Impala believed to be stolen from Fremont. Thalken said the situation developed into a pursuit, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and crash in the area of Third Avenue and Air Vista Drive. Thalken said a white male suspect fled the scene on foot along Third Avenue and allegedly broke into the home.

As a result, the street remained blocked off to incoming traffic and nearby residents were advised to remain indoors early Monday afternoon. Officers had the property surrounded and held their position with the assumption that the suspect was armed and dangerous.

Thalken said that there wasn’t any indication that hostages were taken during the situation.

Subscribe to Daily Headlines

* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.